For all of you FT'ers that are traveling to Los Angeles, there are a few restaurants that you should try. For me, there is one in particular in the San Fernando Valley that stands out. It is called the Wine Bistro in Studio City. The restaurant is a small hideaway that is around the corner from CBS MTM studios (MTM - Mary Tyler Moore). Anyhow, you will occasionally see some deals struck in this cozy restaurant. For dinner, they have a pre fixe menu that is $30.00 per person (last time I was there). They knock off $10.00 per person if you have an entertainment card too www.entertainment.com. You have to make reservations in advance and if you are going for a romantic meal, call well in advance and ask for the front booth. The front booth is secluded from the remainder of the restaurant and you have amazing privacy. You won't regret asking for it.

Their food is always excellent and the staff is some of the friendliest I have ever seen. The maiter'd I believe is also the owner and he prides himself on seeing his repeat customers by always treating them exceptionally. I usually get a steak or pork chop, but my wife loves his fish dishes and his lobster ravioli (which I agree is awesome). I'd give you more detail about his dishes, but they have no printed menus. All of the menus are handwritten every day and are on easels that are brought to your table. Start with thefrench onion soup or the cesar salad. Can't go wrong with either. For dessert, I love the apple tartin and the 3 flavor creme brulee made with liquor (grand marnier, bailey's, etc.). They change daily but are always great. The restaurant only seats about 60-75 people, so reservations on a weekend are a must. This is a hidden gem in the valley for the romantic. Hope you enjoy.

I will be posting more of my favorite restaurants like Mastro's steakhouse in beverly hills, allesio's in a small shopping center in West Hills. You should also look at my post on Delmonico's steakhouse in Las Vegas as this is my favority restaurant around. Feel free to email me if you have any questions on any of my restaurant reviews.